Verdict of the Week


Lord Goldsmith's proposed oath of allegiance and national day

In a Government review of British citizenship, the former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith suggests that teenagers could take part in a coming of age ceremony at the end of their studies to mark the transition from student to adult citizenship and could include, for example, an oath of allegiance to the Queen.

Lord Goldsmith played down the public outcry to the proposals as an over reaction and said they were just one of many ideas to try and, “create a greater sense of shared belonging in this country .., for people to understand more clearly what it means to be a citizen of this country, what their rights are and what their responsibilities are as well."

Although this idea works well in America, for example, their national sense of identity in their jingoistic National trading demonstrating is drilled into them from a much earlier age. But that kind of blind imperialism is not what is normally associated with this country. That would prefer to see themselves as more neutral, and with greater freedom of choice.

Whilst we can see that there is a natural cynicism about his plans, Goldsmith correctly pointed out that similar doubts had been raised when citizenship ceremonies were introduced for new immigrants in 2004. And yet they have proved very popular and anyone who has attended those can see that they are often very moving, and most of the participants are very proud and enthusiastic to take part.

Lord Goldsmith also proposed a new public holiday to celebrate being British, and said it could run along the lines of Australia Day in Australia. He suggested it was an opportunity to celebrate what it means to be British and help create a sense of pride in ourselves both as a community and as a nation.

Whilst eCourt agrees with Lord Goldsmith, that there is a diminishing sense of national pride, and that we should support anything that encourages a greater sense of belonging in the community, the eCourt Verdict would be all in favour of setting up the ceremonies for those who would want it, but would be against a compulsory oath of allegiance.

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